Though Sam Smith has made a name as a soul-singing powerhouse over the last ten years, since the release of their debut album In The Lonely Hour (2014), they have more recently been viewed as a controversial artist, with several risqué costumes and performances, leading to Ofcom complaints. All that was deftly alluded to when they opened their own Prom last Friday, with a singular witty assurance: saying, purposefully, “I’m not going to get my bum out. There’s a time and a place.”

The never before heard arrangements of Sam’s songs played by the BBC orchestra (arranged by conductor Simon Hale) certainly did not disappoint. From the moment the piano played the first notes of “Good Thing”, the audience were hooked. Sam’s ethereal and soulful voice rang through the Royal Albert Hall as he sang through his impressive catalogue of hits. The use of the timpani added a sense of drama to their track “Like I Can”, and they captured the hearts of the audience during some truly touching moments: a duet of “Hushabye Mountain” with his childhood singing teacher dazzled the most. The first half closed with stunning performances of “Writing’s On The Wall”, the BBC orchestra elevating the James Bond track to new heights, and a rapturous performance of “Stay With Me”, with the audience singing along in full force.

The second half brought a new dynamic, with a stunning costume change and the set adorned with red flowers. The choice of songs and the arrangements were more sultry and sexy, yet still classy. Although the second half seemed to lose pace and direction during “Messin’ with Fire” and “Fever”, both duetted with Clare Teal, Sam soon had the audience back on side with an impressive performance of “Too Good at Goodbyes”. A real highlight of the second half was “Unholy” — the stunning BBC orchestra turned the track into a marching anthem, likened to Ravel’s Boléro.

Sam’s faultless vocals and loveable, down-to-earth personality brought some raw and touching moments to a spectacular evening of entertainment. Sam Smith has cemented themself as a global sensation, and this concert certainly left the audience wanting more.  Let’s see what the next 10 years bring for this phenomenal artist.

Tickets for all 73 Proms are available from just £8 on the BBC Proms 2024 website.